The newest addition to the TMNT franchise, Seth Rogen’s Mutant Mayhem, releases this summer, the newest film in a long line of adaptations, remakes, reboots, and new storylines. Our favorite crime-fighting, pizza-loving ninja reptiles are back, making this the perfect time to look back at many of the most iconic versions of the turtles. For those who are just now becoming interested in the TMNT, this is your beginner’s guide! Settle in, grab a slice, and get ready to learn all about the TMNT highlights throughout the years.
The Birth of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The TMNT follows the journey of four young brothers (Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello) who have been mutated (via the definitely-very-scientific mutagen ooze) from baby turtles to turtle-human hybrids and live in the sewers of New York learning ninjutsu from their rat sensei/adopted dad, Splinter.
Before this origin story was penned, the birth of the teenage mutant ninja turtles starts with two goofballs, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, trying to make each other laugh. What started off as a joke was actually the inception of a franchise spanning over 30 years and counting. Eastman and Laird published the first TMNT comic in 1984 as a parody of the dark and edgy superhero stories of the day. The original comics included plenty of violence and cursing, which had to be lessened for future, children-focused iterations.
'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (1987)
The turtle brothers first appeared on-screen in 1987. Beginning with a five-part miniseries, the TMNT’s first TV series quickly established the turtles as beloved characters as they battle against soon-to-be iconic villains, and the turtles’ allies, Splinter, vigilante Casey Jones, and Channel 6 reporter April O’Neil, rounded out the cast nicely.
While Eastman and Laird weren’t too happy with the liberties taken with their original comic’s storyline, many of the changes were better suited to a children’s cartoon. Instead of every turtle wearing the same red bandana, the 1987 series gave each turtle their own color.
